Thank you all so much for the great reviews on this story. I love it when I see people that have never reviewed me before enjoying my work. I just love reading new profiles.

Has anyone noticed I keep ending chapters with our hopefully soon to be lovers in bed. Hm, wonder if I subconsciously want to get them there in the end. Anyone who has read my stories knows I'll get them there in the end but I think I'll make you all wait a little longer. Enjoy and review please.

Standard disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho.

Lonely Hearts

Chapter 3

Hiei jumped dodging an attack from the sorceress he was fighting. Koenma had sent them to capture a rouge band of sorceresses that were causing trouble just on the outskirts of town. The fight was difficult because the three women were human not demon and had to be captured not killed.

The problem was compounded because they seemed to enjoy toying with the Reiki Tente sending various spells at them. Yusuke's spirit gun shots were turned into showers of confetti. Kuwabara's spirit sword seemed to have a life of it's own chasing the clumsy human around in circles.

Regardless of their own problems the spirit detectives couldn't help but laugh at Kurama's current predicament. The spell that hit him had left his beautiful red hair in several tight braids with each braid sporting colorful bows. Not only did he look even more like a girl than ever but the bows seemed to have a spell on them making it impossible for the sprit fox to access the seeds he kept hidden in his hair.

So far the only one that had been fast enough to avoid being on the receiving end of these spells was Hiei. How he had avoided them was a mystery even to him. His last few visits with Kurama had left him distracted. He couldn't stop wondering what was happening between them. Now between dodging spells his gaze kept straying to Kurama.

Hiei kept trying to convince himself he was just keeping an eye on his partner. Maybe if he'd been paying more attention to the fight he would have seen the spell before it hit him. Vaguely he heard Kurama scream his name as he went flying. Under normal circumstances slamming into a tree wouldn't have much effect on Hiei, these were not normal circumstances.

The black haired sorceress who's spell hit Hiei never had a chance against the angry fox spirit that grabbed her by the throat. She visibly paled at the deathly calm voice that met her ears. "No one hurts my fire demon and lives."

Her eyes widened as his hand tightened painfully. She was just loosing consciousness when Yusuke grabbed Kurama's arm. "Hey man, we're supposed to bring them in alive fox boy."

Reluctantly Kurama released his hold. He didn't even wait for her to hit the ground before rushing to Hiei. He also didn't give a thought to the blond with a fat lip out cold on the ground or the brunet Kuwabara was sitting on as she yelled at him.

Kneeling down, Kurama gently lifted Hiei to cradle him in his arms. Quickly checking he found no visible injuries and Hiei was beginning to come around. "Fire-Fly, are you hurt anywhere?"

"I'm fine Fox, now let go of me." Kurama tried not to look hurt as Hiei shoved him away and tried to stand. Only Kurama saw how weak the fire demon really was. Standing, Kurama stayed by Hiei's side but didn't touch him again.

The three sorceresses and their powers had been bound with spirit cuffs and were waiting to be taken to spirit world for punishment. Yusuke turned to his teammates. "Hiei, I'm glad to see you're alright. Too bad I can't say the same for Kurama. I love the hair man, I always knew you'd make a foxy chick."

Kuwabara laughed when Hiei growled. "What's the matter Hiei, afraid Yusuke's making a move on your fox?"

Kurama wasn't sure if it was his hand on Hiei's shoulder or his lack of energy that stopped the fire demon from attacking the human. Hiei glared, turned and walked away.

Kurama seemed to be the only one who noticed Hiei didn't flit away like he always did. "Yusuke, I've got homework waiting for me. I hope you and Kuwabara won't mind taking these creatures to Koenma."

He didn't wait for an answer before turning to follow Hiei. Yusuke couldn't hide his smile as he watched his friends leave. His smile turned to irritation as he punched Kuwabara. "Way to go you idiot. Can't you see Hiei's having enough trouble accepting his feelings for Kurama without you throwing it in his face?"

Kuwabara rubbed his jaw. "Damn Urameshi, what'd you hit me for, I was just teasing the shrimp. Didn't you see him during the fight? He got hit by one of those spells because he couldn't keep his eyes off Kurama."

Yusuke moved to help Kuwabara get their prisoners to spirit world. "Yeah it is kind of cute watching him these last few weeks. I don't know why Kurama doesn't just jump Hiei and get it over with. Come on you bitches let's get you to jail."

It didn't take Kurama long to catch up with Hiei. Knowing it would be hard to get his stubborn friend to admit he needed help Kurama tried a different angle. "Hiei, can you come back to the apartment with me? I could use your help getting these stupid ribbons out of my hair. Whatever spell is on them burns my hands."

Hiei glanced up at Kurama and gave a little laugh. "You look ridiculous Fox."

As they turned towards Kurama's apartment his irritation at what had been done to his hair evaporated with Hiei's laugh. "Why Hiei, if I'd known all it took to get you to notice me was a few ribbons I would have tried them sooner."

"Stupid Fox." There was still a small grin on Hiei's face.

When they arrived at the apartment they went straight to the bedroom. Kurama picked up his brush and sat on the bed as Hiei climbed up to kneel behind him. When Hiei drew his katana Kurama would have jumped off the bed if Hiei's other hand hadn't held him down. Kurama shivered as Hiei's warm breath whispered across his ear. "Relax Fox, I promise I'll be gentle with you."

Kurama could have groaned at the double meaning in those words. Momentarily laying his head back on Hiei's chest he gazed up into ruby eyes. "It's my first time Fire-Fly, it's only natural that I'm nervous but I know I'll be safe in your hands."

Kurama only felt a slight tug on each braid as Hiei cut the ribbons. Then he could no longer stifle his moan as Hiei's strong fingers worked through his hair pulling the braids out and massaged his scalp. The redhead swallowed a gasp as Hiei arm circled him briefly taking the brush from his lax fingers. When the brush was pulled through his hair Kurama closed his eyes and gave in Hiei's tender ministrations.

Hiei couldn't believe he was brushing Kurama's hair but at the fox's first moan Hiei was hooked. As he watched Kurama's fingers grip the blanket he thought he could sit there all night listening to the sexy noises his fox was making.

He didn't know how long Hiei brushed his hair but if he allowed it to continue Kurama knew he was going to do something stupid like pin the sexy demon to the bed and kiss him till he withered in pleasure beneath him. Reluctantly he reached back taking the brush. "Thank you Hiei, that was wonderful. You can do that to me any time you want."

Before Hiei could move to leave Kurama turned to confront him. "Now tell me what that spell really did to you Hiei and don't try to lie. I can feel something's wrong with your energy."

At first Hiei didn't meet Kurama's gaze but the fox reached out and turned Hiei to face him. "You're right Fox, something's wrong. I think that bitch sealed the jagon."

Worried, Kurama removed the ward from Hiei's forehead. As he predicted, the jagon was sealed shut. "Hiei I don't think you have to worry. Most spells like theirs only last a day or two. I'm not letting you leave though. At your current energy level you might be in danger from even a lower class demon."

For the second time that day Hiei shoved Kurama away and rose, this time to pace. "You think I don't know that Kurama! What would you suggest I do then, hide here like some kind of coward?"

Kurama reached out and grabbed Hiei's hands pulling him around to face him. After a moment Hiei looked down into large green eyes. "Hiei, it's not hiding to spend a few days with you best friend. Nor is it cowardice to let your partner watch you back. Please Hiei, let me do this for you. You know, I'll protect you with my life."

At the pleading look in Kurama's eyes Hiei knew he couldn't deny him. "Alright Fox, but no one knows about this. I don't want those idiots to know how weak I am."

Hiei's heart skipped a beat at the beautiful smile Kurama gave him. "Agreed, but if the jagon doesn't open in a few days we'll have to go see Koenma to get that bitch to reverse the spell. Now come on, I'll bet you're hungry."

Kurama stood and placed an arm around Hiei's shoulder leading him to the kitchen. Kurama was almost giddy at the opportunity to spend time alone with his fire demon. Hiei sat on the counter watching Kurama move about the small kitchen. Hiei couldn't believe how good it felt listening to Kurama babble about various things as he cooked.

They ate then watched a movie before getting ready for bed. Separately they showered and put on clean boxers and t-shirts before climbing into bed.

Hiei lay on his back with his hands behind his head. He looked over when he felt Kurama move closer. Slowly Kurama settled next to Hiei with his head on the fire demon's shoulder. "I was so scared when her spell hit you and you didn't get back up. You've become so important to me Hiei, I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."

Hiei hesitated a moment before lowering his arm, putting it around Kurama. "Don't worry Kurama, I won't leave you to fight alone. I'll always have your back."

Encouraged, Kurama snuggled closer, resting his hand on Hiei's chest. "Thank you for trusting me Fire-Fly."

"Hn. Go to sleep Fox." Cuddled in each others arms both demons slept peacefully.